Holy See Asks Embassies to Take Peace to Heart

The Holy See has issued a plea for peace to the embassies accredited to it.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin issued a “nota verbale” to all the embassies accredited to the Holy See earlier today.

This statement included the texts of Pope Francis’ most recent addresses that called for peace, particularly in the Middle East, reported Vatican Radio on Wednesday.

This “nota verbale” initiative, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, said, is a gesture through which the Holy See not only aims to underscore how much the situation in the Middle East touches on the violation of human rights, but also through which the Holy See asks the international community to take the question of peace to heart.

The Church official also explained to Vatican Radio how the Holy See, on various levels, has expressed its closeness to the current situation in the Middle East, and pointed out how Pope Francis has set an example through his own actions.

Demonstrating his concern for the families in Mosul, the Holy Father invited the world to pray for them, he said. In addition, the Pope personally telephoned the Chaldean and Syrian Patriarchs, encouraging their pastors and flock to be strong in hope.

In concrete terms, the Holy Father has sent financial help to families through the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, which coordinates Catholic relief operations around the world.